“Why?” Mom asked, an edge of annoyance in her voice. “I’m her mother. I think I can handle who she’s bringing around.”

“No, I know. I—” She stumbled over her words and looked down at the floor. “I’m sorry. I failed you.”

“I don’t understand,” I said. “Are you talking about what happened with Marie?”

“What happened with Marie?” Mom asked.

We hadn’t gotten to that yet but now was not the time.

“I’m talking about Selene,” Dr. Grant said. “I was in the station the night she died. I was working with the department on another case when I heard the address, and I recognized it immediately. I rode in with the responding officer.”

“You knew how she died?” I managed to ask. My throat felt dry, my chest heavy. “You knew somebody killed her? You—you were there? And you didn’t say anything to me about it?”

“She was my friend,” Dr. Grant said. “My friend and I couldn’t save her,” she continued. “When I realized who you were, I swore I wouldn’t let anything happen to you.”

Mom reached out and put a hand on her arm. Her tone was firm but comforting. “What happened wasn’t your fault. I don’t think you should be shouldering that kind of guilt.”

“But I do.” Dr. Grant sighed. “I do, except I’m not sitting around feeling sorry for myself. I’ve used all my resources to try and solve Selene’s murder and Circe’s disappearance.”

“Hold up,” Mom cut in. “This Circe woman is missing? I thought she was dead. She willed this place to Bri.”

“She was declared dead earlier this year. That wasn’t made clear to you?” Dr. Grant asked.

Me and Mom shook our heads.

“She disappeared after Selene died,” Dr. Grant said. “We never found any evidence of foul play. It’s possible she set something up to make sure you inherited the house in the event of her death but that’s something the estate lawyer should be able to answer for you.” Her phone rang and she glanced at the screen. “I have to take this but I’ll be in touch.” Mom walked her out and I sat down on the couch.

My chest was tight and I could feel a headache creeping up from my temples. Mom came back and plopped down next to me.

“I guess we found the catch, right?” I asked. “We thought this was too good to be true. Big house that’s paid off, but it comes with all the sad memories of my dead relatives and a bunch of deadly plants.”